Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser will retire on June 15 this year, nearly three decades after it was unveiled. The web browser, which for many 90s users was an introduction to the internet, gradually lost on popularity because of its slow speed.
Over the years, it became synonymous with slowness, inspiring countless memes.
An then suddenly it's gone…*Internet Explorer 11 desktop app will be retired on June 15, 2022 and will no longer be supported on certain versions of #Windows 10.#WomenOnIT#womenintech#WomenInSTEM#memes#memesdaily#fun#lol#laughs#laughter#browserpic.twitter.com/WR69yIZ1bE
— Women On IT (@WomenOn_IT) June 10, 2022
From a 92%+ market share to now just memes, Internet Explorer has seen a lot.Internet Explorer is a classic example of a product that believes it is too big to fail.
Here's the story of the rise and fall of IE. pic.twitter.com/wICVQZyDfC
— Market Sentiment (@mkt_sentiment) June 7, 2022
I can't remember when was the last time I used Internet Explorer @PCMag#meme#InternetExplorerpic.twitter.com/eNRhy9L6rw— ITSIZER | Refurbished laptops (@itsizer) June 8, 2022
When Microsoft announced its plans to pull the plug on the browser, many spoke about it in nostalgic terms.
Users have been taking to Twitter to give Internet Explorer a send-off. Some speak of it fondly, others jokingly
"Whether you loved or hated Internet Explorer, it'll be the end if an era," said a user named Caesar. "I haven't used IE in a decades but it was the browser I had used for the majority if my childhood."
Internet Explorer is shutting down in three days. I haven't used IE in a decades but it was the browser I had used for the majority if my childhood.Whether you loved or hated Internet Explorer, it'll be the end if an era
— Caesár (@CnaVD) June 11, 2022
"We'll miss the legend for sure," said another user. "Even if many people used it as a way to download Chrome in last couple years."
A user named J Evans said Internet Explorer's retirement made him said. "I’ve been using that software for over 25 years! Makes me sad. Lol."
On June 15th, 2022 the Microsoft search engine “Internet Explorer” will be unplugged for good. I’ve been using that software for over 25 years! Makes me sad. Lol— J. Evans (@Bourbon_IL) June 10, 2022
Another person bid adieu to the "best browser downloader".
Goodbyes to the best browser downloader. #InternetExplorerpic.twitter.com/AV0quxQuNI— Mak Drakos (@devcrafter91) June 11, 2022
Microsoft had announced in May last year the next step in its movement away from Internet Explorer.
"We are announcing that the future of Internet Explorer on Windows 10 is in Microsoft Edge," the company had said. "Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer, but it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications."
It added: "Microsoft Edge has Internet Explorer mode (“IE mode”) built in, so you can access those legacy Internet Explorer-based websites and applications straight from Microsoft Edge."
